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One Billion More People Now Exposed to Extreme Heat Stress Than in the 1970s, Study Finds

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A new study has revealed that nearly one billion more people across the world are now experiencing at least one day of extreme heat stress every year compared to the 1970s, highlighting the growing intensity, frequency, and duration of dangerous heat conditions globally. The research, conducted by scientists from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts based in the U.K. and Germany, suggests that governments urgently need stronger heat-health action plans, early warning systems, urban cooling strategies, and improved climate risk assessments to better protect populations from rising heat-related threats. Heat stress refers to the overall heat burden placed on the human body and is determined by multiple environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Researchers used the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), commonly described as a “feels-like” temperature, to evaluate how these combined factors impact human health. Published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the study examined global heat stress data spanning from 1950 to 2024 and found that both daytime and nighttime temperatures have significantly intensified since the 1970s. According to the researchers, during the 1970s nearly 55 percent of the world’s population experienced around 90 days of strong heat stress annually. In today’s climate, that figure has increased to 70 percent. Exposure to at least one day of extreme heat stress has also risen from 16 percent to 22 percent globally, translating into roughly one billion additional people being affected. The analysis further found that nighttime temperatures are rising faster than daytime temperatures. The 10 warmest nights recorded annually have been warming at an average rate of 0.32 degrees Celsius per decade, slightly higher than the 0.27 degrees Celsius increase observed during the 10 hottest daytime periods. Researchers also noted that extreme “feels-like” temperatures are becoming more frequent across every continent, with subtropical regions witnessing the sharpest rise in heat exposure. Areas including southern parts of North America, southern Europe, northern and southern Africa, as well as South America, are now facing up to 50 extra days every year of strong to extreme heat stress compared to conditions seen in the 1970s. The findings add to growing concerns over the accelerating impact of climate change and underline the urgent need for countries worldwide to develop stronger adaptation measures as extreme heat events become increasingly common. Source: PTI

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India Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia Before 2047, Says President Murmu

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Droupadi Murmu has expressed confidence that India will eliminate sickle cell anaemia much before the government’s 2047 target, urging all states to intensify efforts and spread awareness about the disease, particularly among tribal communities where prevalence remains significantly higher. Speaking at a government event in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, the President said that with collective participation from all states, the country is well-positioned to achieve its mission of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases ahead of schedule. She highlighted that since the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023, several major milestones have already been achieved, including the screening of over seven crore individuals aged between 0 and 40 years. The initiative has so far identified nearly 2.5 lakh affected patients and over 20 lakh carriers, making it one of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes. President Murmu also commended Madhya Pradesh for screening more than 1.25 crore people and distributing genetic counselling cards to a majority of beneficiaries. She emphasized that sickle cell anaemia should not be underestimated, as the hereditary disease passes from one generation to another, but can be treated and eventually eliminated through sustained intervention. The President praised the mission launched by Narendra Modi in Shahdol in 2023, describing it as India’s first nationwide campaign integrating public health, tribal welfare, genetic science, and digital monitoring. She noted that 17 states are actively participating in the campaign to help India achieve a sickle cell disease-free future. Source: The Hindu

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Novartis India Launches Pluvicto, Bringing Advanced Precision Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients

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Novartis India has announced the launch of Pluvicto, India’s first regulatory-approved radioligand therapy designed for eligible patients suffering from PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer, marking a significant advancement in precision oncology treatment in the country. The newly introduced therapy, Pluvicto (lutetium-177Lu vipivotide tetraxetan), works by specifically targeting prostate cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment offers a new approach for managing advanced-stage prostate cancer, a condition that continues to place a growing health burden on patients and families across India. Prostate cancer is emerging as one of the fastest-rising cancers among Indian men, with nearly 250,000 cases reported annually, particularly affecting urban populations. According to the company, nearly half of all diagnosed patients are detected at the metastatic stage, making treatment more challenging and limiting available therapeutic options. Judith Love, Region Head for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa at Novartis, highlighted that India remains a key market for the company as demand grows for advanced cancer treatments. She noted that the introduction of Pluvicto reflects Novartis’ commitment to expanding access to globally recognized innovations while leveraging India’s rapidly growing nuclear medicine infrastructure. Amitabh Dube, Country President and Managing Director of Novartis India, emphasized that many prostate cancer patients in India are diagnosed only after the disease progresses significantly, reducing treatment effectiveness. He stated that bringing Pluvicto to India addresses the increasing demand for precision oncology solutions and supports the future development of nuclear medicine-based therapies. India’s nuclear medicine ecosystem has expanded considerably over the past decade, with more than 250 nuclear medicine centres currently operational nationwide. Novartis plans to work closely with hospitals, oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and healthcare institutions to strengthen treatment access and ensure readiness for radioligand therapy adoption. Pluvicto will be introduced through selected hospitals and nuclear medicine centres across India under Novartis’ partnership-driven strategy to improve access to next-generation cancer care. Source: The Hindu  

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FSSAI Cracks Down on 8 Food Brands Over Misleading ‘Healthy’ Claims on Product Labels

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food companies for allegedly using deceptive branding and packaging claims that could mislead consumers about the health benefits of their products, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The companies under scrutiny include Emami Group’s Healthy & Tasty brand, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs. The regulator announced the action through its official social media platforms. Among the key cases, Emami’s cooking oil brand Healthy & Tasty has been flagged for a trade name that may create a misleading impression about the product’s health value. Plan B has also come under regulatory attention for marketing products as “plant-based vegan” without securing the required vegan food endorsement under FSSAI licensing norms. The Healthy Factory faces questions over products such as Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread and Zero Maida Pizza Base, with FSSAI raising concerns that such claims may misrepresent the actual ingredients used. Meanwhile, Neuherbs has been flagged for its True Vitamin product line, with regulators stating that the term is not officially recognised under food safety regulations and may mislead buyers. Snack brand Troovy has also been questioned for labeling products like veggie chips, ragi chips, and moong dal chips as “healthy” despite containing multiple additional ingredients. Similar concerns have been raised against Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, and Health Aid over brand names and taglines that may give consumers an inaccurate perception of health benefits. The move signals FSSAI’s increasing focus on curbing misleading health-related marketing claims in India’s packaged food sector. Source: PTI  

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Doctors Warn First-Time Adult Seizures May Signal Brain Tumours; Early Diagnosis Key to Better Outcomes

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Medical experts have cautioned that seizures occurring for the first time in adulthood should not be overlooked, as they may be an early warning sign of an underlying brain tumour. The advisory comes in the wake of World Brain Tumour Day, observed on June 8, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. According to neurologists and oncologists, late-onset seizures are among the most significant early symptoms associated with brain tumours. Doctors stress that even a single seizure episode in an adult warrants immediate medical attention and diagnostic imaging, as it could be the first detectable indication of a tumour in the brain. Specialists note that brain tumours constitute a substantial share of central nervous system cancers reported in India. Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Programme indicate that outcomes can be particularly challenging in aggressive tumour types such as gliomas, underscoring the need for early detection. Medical professionals also highlighted the progress made in brain tumour diagnosis and treatment over recent years. Advancements in high-resolution imaging, digital technologies, and neuronavigation systems have significantly improved the accuracy of diagnosis and surgical planning, enabling more effective patient care. Experts explained that brain tumours can be either benign or malignant, with treatment strategies varying based on the type, location, and stage of the tumour. Modern treatment approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, and other targeted interventions, have improved disease management and, in some cases, offer the possibility of long-term control or cure. In addition, the growing adoption of genomic profiling and genetic sequencing is helping clinicians identify patients who may benefit from personalised treatment options. These precision medicine techniques are increasingly shaping the future of neuro-oncology by enabling therapies tailored to the molecular characteristics of individual tumours. Doctors urged the public to remain vigilant about neurological symptoms and seek medical evaluation promptly, emphasizing that early diagnosis can play a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with brain tumours. Source: The Hindu

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Kerala Reports 85 Confirmed Shigellosis Cases in 2026, Health Department Intensifies Preventive Measures

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Kerala has reported 85 confirmed cases and more than 70 suspected cases of shigellosis, a highly contagious bacterial infection commonly known as bacillary dysentery, as of June 7, prompting health authorities to strengthen preventive measures across the state. The disease, caused by Shigella bacteria, has been detected sporadically in all districts, with localized outbreaks reported in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, and Malappuram. In Wayanad, two students from Mar Baselios School tested positive on Monday, while several other children are suspected to have contracted the infection. Health officials have expressed concern over the vulnerability of children under five years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. While most healthy adults recover without complications, the disease can prove fatal in high-risk groups. Kerala has recorded two child fatalities linked to shigellosis this year, one in April and another on June 6, both in Kozhikode. Shigellosis spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, as well as through close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms typically appear within one to two days and include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, blood in stools, and frequent painful bowel movements. The Health Department has urged the public to maintain strict personal and food hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing with soap before meals, food preparation, and after using the toilet. People have also been advised to consume boiled drinking water, avoid stale or raw foods, use ORS to prevent dehydration, and complete prescribed antibiotic courses. Households with infected individuals have been instructed to keep personal items, utensils, clothing, and bedding separate to prevent transmission. Recovered patients have also been advised to avoid serving food or attending public gatherings for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear. Food establishments have been directed to ensure hygienic food handling practices and verify the health status of food handlers. Authorities have also warned against the use of industrial ice in beverages. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the Food Safety Department has been instructed to intensify inspections and take action, including issuing closure notices, against eateries and street vendors found violating hygiene norms. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan called for urgent and coordinated action by health authorities and local self-government bodies to prevent further spread of the infection across the state. Source: The Hindu

Kerala Reports 85 Confirmed Shigellosis Cases in 2026, Health Department Intensifies Preventive Measures Read More »

WHO Unveils $518 Million Emergency Plan to Contain Escalating Ebola Outbreak

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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have launched a six-month emergency response plan worth $518 million to combat the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Announcing the initiative, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgent need for financial support, political commitment, and community engagement to curb what has become the fourth-largest Ebola outbreak on record. The strategy will run from June through November 2026. Tedros warned that health authorities are still struggling to keep pace with the outbreak’s spread, emphasizing that effective containment will require sustained funding and strong public trust. According to the Africa CDC, the outbreak remained undetected for several weeks, allowing the virus to spread significantly before response measures were fully mobilized. The agency reported 381 confirmed infections and 62 confirmed deaths so far. The current outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya described the situation as the most severe Bundibugyo-related outbreak ever recorded. Kaseya noted that international donors have pledged approximately $315.8 million toward response efforts, though it remains unclear whether those funds will directly support the newly announced six-month action plan. He added that the pledged amount was revised downward after some donors updated their commitments. The Africa CDC officially declared the outbreak, Congo’s 17th Ebola epidemic, on May 15. Shortly afterward, the WHO classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring the global significance of the crisis. Source: Reuters

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90–120 Minutes of Weekly Strength Training Linked to Lower Risk of Death, 30-Year Study Finds

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A long-term study spanning three decades has found that engaging in 90 to 120 minutes of strength training each week may significantly lower the risk of premature death. Researchers reported that this level of resistance training was associated with a 13% reduction in the risk of death from any cause. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study also revealed that individuals who performed 90–120 minutes of weekly strength training experienced a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological conditions. However, researchers observed that benefits did not increase further beyond 120 minutes of strength training per week. The research team, which included scientists from Harvard University, examined data from three large participant groups, including the Health Professionals Follow-up Study conducted between 1992 and 2022. Among the 147,374 participants monitored over the study period, 35,798 deaths were recorded. Researchers noted that while the positive impact of aerobic exercise on longevity is well established, the long-term effects of muscle-strengthening activities have remained less certain. Their findings suggest that moderate resistance training over an extended period contributes to lower mortality rates, with benefits reaching a plateau at around two hours per week. The study also found that approximately 75% of participants exceeded the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Aerobic exercise alone was linked to a 26–43% reduction in overall mortality risk. The greatest health benefits were seen among individuals who combined strength training with high levels of aerobic activity. Participants performing 30–44 MET hours of aerobic exercise weekly along with 60–119 minutes of strength training had a 45% lower risk of death. Those exceeding 45 MET hours of aerobic activity each week showed an even greater reduction in mortality risk, ranging from 53% to 58%, regardless of their strength-training levels. The findings highlight the importance of combining resistance exercises with regular aerobic activity to maximize long-term health and longevity. Source: PTI

90–120 Minutes of Weekly Strength Training Linked to Lower Risk of Death, 30-Year Study Finds Read More »

Bangladesh Measles Death Toll Climbs to 585 as Outbreak Continues to Spread

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Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has claimed two more lives, pushing the total death toll to 585 since March 15, according to health authorities. The latest fatalities, both involving children, were reported within a 24-hour period ending Sunday morning and have been classified as suspected measles deaths by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). With these additions, the number of suspected measles-related deaths has risen to 495, while 90 deaths have been officially confirmed. The outbreak continues to place significant pressure on the country’s healthcare system, with 1,324 new suspected cases reported over the past day. This has increased the cumulative number of suspected infections to 70,936. Meanwhile, 53 new confirmed cases were recorded, taking the total confirmed infections to 9,049. Since mid-March, 56,886 people with suspected measles symptoms have been hospitalised across Bangladesh. Of these, 52,841 patients have recovered, according to DGHS data. The crisis has also sparked concerns over vaccine availability. Last week, UNICEF revealed that it had repeatedly warned Bangladesh’s previous interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, about vaccine shortages that could lead to a widespread outbreak. Speaking at a media briefing in Dhaka, UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers said the organisation had sent multiple letters and raised the issue during at least 10 meetings with health officials between 2024 and 2026. According to Flowers, UNICEF consistently cautioned authorities that delays in vaccine procurement could trigger a major public health emergency. She further noted that UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban had also highlighted the issue during discussions with Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry during his visit to the country last year. UNICEF has pledged to support the ongoing investigation launched by the current BNP-led government and provide relevant evidence regarding the vaccine shortage and the subsequent outbreak. Source: IANS

Bangladesh Measles Death Toll Climbs to 585 as Outbreak Continues to Spread Read More »

High Consumption of Packaged Foods Linked to Rising Blood Pressure Among Urban Youth: NIN Study

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A recent study conducted by researchers at the Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition has found a strong association between the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and elevated blood pressure among urban young adults, particularly males. The cross-sectional study involved 311 undergraduate students aged between 18 and 24 years from three colleges in Hyderabad. Researchers assessed participants’ dietary habits over the previous month using a 24-item food frequency questionnaire covering commonly consumed packaged foods such as biscuits, chocolates, and salty snacks — reflecting the changing dietary patterns among India’s urban youth. The study revealed that 12.5% of the participants had high blood pressure levels of 140/90 mmHg or above. The prevalence was notably higher among male students and individuals above the age of 20. After adjusting for variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status, researchers found that male participants and students from higher-income families had significantly greater odds of developing hypertension. Importantly, students consuming high-fat and high-salt UPFs at or above the median intake level were found to be independently more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Factors such as taste, affordability, and easy accessibility were identified as major reasons driving the consumption of these packaged foods. The research team included Karthikeyan Ramanujam, Abhigna Mahathi, Jarupula Namrathaa Pawar, Maheshwari Matla, Harichandana Ponnapalli, Vinay Kumar Soma, Keerthana Gajjala, SuryaGoud S. Chukkala, Mahesh Kumar Mummadi, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Jagajeevan Babu Geddam, and Samarasimha Nusi Reddy. Researchers observed that the frequency and type of UPF intake had a stronger influence on hypertension risk than overall dietary diversity. They noted that such health impacts are generally associated with older populations, making the findings concerning as they indicate that hypertension-related risks are emerging early in adulthood — a stage when the condition often goes undiagnosed. Although students residing in hostels showed slightly higher blood pressure levels compared to those staying at home, likely due to repetitive diets and dependence on packaged foods, the association was not statistically significant after adjustments. The findings align with trends reported in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which has documented a steady increase in hypertension among adolescents and young adults across India. Researchers stated that India is currently undergoing a nutrition transition phase, with young people increasingly shifting toward snack-based ultra-processed foods. The study, published in the latest edition of the journal Nutrients, stressed the urgent need to reduce consumption of foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats to lower the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Researchers also recommended policy interventions such as higher taxes on packaged foods, restricting the sale of high-salt snacks near educational institutions, promoting affordable healthy food alternatives, and strengthening nutrition awareness programmes among young adults. Source: The Hindu  

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